The Nature of Ninja

What was a ninja?

Or rather, what was most important to a ninja?

Orochimaru's answer was, "A ninja is one who uses ninjutsu," while Jiraiya's was, "A ninja is one who can endure anything."

Before the Sage of Six Paths founded the Ninja Sect and taught Chakra, ninja, like samurai, monks, and miko, were merely insignificant members among many combat professions. Back then, ninja were only the dirty, shameful blades daimyo and nobles used for unsavory work. Their publicly visible status was not even equal to that of samurai.

But after they gained access to Chakra, ninja relied on a more efficient training system and greater combat power to sweep countless old combat professions into history's trash heap like autumn wind scattering fallen leaves. Even the once peerless samurai could now only survive by huddling in some remote, bitterly cold speck of land like the Land of Iron.

What about the Uchiha Clan?

Uchiha clan members were practically synonymous with ninja.

The Uchiha Clan's registered population in Konoha Year 28 was around eighteen hundred, with over seven hundred officially registered Konoha ninja. The number of hidden Clan Ninja, those retired due to injury or illness, and those who had withdrawn because of old age was unknown. For a ninja clan, family bloodline was the shortcut to becoming a ninja, and the Uchiha Clan's astonishing rate of producing talent laid the foundation for its position as the First Great Clan.

It was another new day.

Early in the morning, dawn had only just broken. Everything was silent as faint streaks of light rose over the eastern horizon, cautiously soaking into the pale blue sky. A new day gradually drifted in from afar.

Uchiha Tokimitsu got up early as usual, but instead of briskly washing up and changing as he normally did, he stood before the full-length mirror, happily staring at the handsome little boy with a single tomoe in the reflection.

The Sharingan!

The exclusive Kekkei Genkai that symbolized the source of Uchiha power!

The standard feature of the protagonist in an Eye Legend!

As a transmigrator, Uchiha Tokimitsu had always considered where his future should lead.

Should he slaughter his way through all opposition and dominate the Ninja World?

Or seize power, usurp the throne, and become Kage?

Or follow Orochimaru's example and seek the path to immortality?

Or perhaps Shattering Void, trace his bloodline back to its source, and evolve into a complete Otsutsuki?

He had many ideas, and many answers.

But all of it had to be built upon strength!

Even though the Night of the Massacre was still far away, the Second Great Ninja War and the Third Great Ninja War were waiting ahead. Once he stepped onto the battlefield, titles like great ninja clan or Uchiha genius would only make him a target for concentrated attacks. Only surviving through strength was the hard truth.

And for the Uchiha, the Sharingan was the foundation of strength.

Although it was only a single tomoe, Uchiha Tokimitsu could sense the vigorous ocular power within his eyes through his powerful Spiritual Power. It was still weak for now, yet its vitality resembled a tiny flame, like an undying divine fire that existed only in myth. Nourished by Spiritual Power and Chakra, it slowly yet steadfastly grew stronger.

Being reborn into the Uchiha Clan, the Sharingan was probably the greatest benefit. Though turning that benefit into actual results was extremely difficult, among the Uchiha Clan's many hundreds, nearly a thousand ninja, only a handful ever became famous. Most Uchiha clan members could at best become Chunin in their entire lives.

But no matter what, for someone who had been an exhausted, unsuccessful office worker in his previous life, being reborn as an Uchiha and awakening the Sharingan already represented the greatest fortune. What was more, he could wield supernatural abilities he had once dreamed of, such as the Sharingan and Five Elemental Ninjutsu.

Uchiha Nakagen and Emiko were also up early that day. When Uchiha Tokimitsu came downstairs, Emiko had just finished preparing breakfast. As usual, the family sat together and slowly ate.

While eating breakfast, Uchiha Nakagen asked Tokimitsu about his training from the previous day. After all, when Elder Setsuna had brought Tokimitsu back after he fainted upon awakening his eyes for the first time, Nakagen and Emiko had been frightened out of their wits. They had not even had time to ask questions before settling him down and going to bed early.

Uchiha Nakagen found Uchiha Tokimitsu's rather unusual method of awakening his eyes both amusing and worthy of investigation, so he asked Uchiha Tokimitsu to activate his Sharingan for examination.

Uchiha Tokimitsu's Sharingan was no different from the single-tomoe Sharingan of the other clan members. Uchiha Nakagen observed it for quite a while without finding anything unusual. Tokimitsu, however, was nearly unable to maintain the Sharingan due to his limited Chakra. Only then did Uchiha Nakagen reluctantly stop, concluding that it might have something to do with Uchiha Tokimitsu's Spiritual Power, which was clearly greater than that of ordinary people.

After breakfast, Uchiha Nakagen got dressed and headed to work at the Konoha Military Police Force. Emiko began tidying the house, while Uchiha Tokimitsu helped wash the dishes before heading to Elder Setsuna's home to begin that day's training.

Uchiha Clan Naka Training Ground.

This was a training ground directly under the Uchiha Clan, located near the Naka River Uchiha Shrine. Naturally, only Uchiha clan members could come here to train.

Elder Setsuna arrived with Uchiha Tokimitsu and three accompanying guards. That day's lesson was the practical application of ninjutsu in combat.

Being able to release ninjutsu was only the first step toward becoming a Ninja. Beyond talent, it required tremendous effort, especially in practical combat application, which was nothing like ordinary practice.

Watching the two Guard Ninja before him flash back and forth as they tested each other, with Ninja tools and ninjutsu flying together, fireballs and Lightning Light painting a dazzling scene, Uchiha Tokimitsu found their duel spectacular enough. He could hardly imagine how those Chunin and Jonin managed to move at high speed across battlefields filled with enemies, dodge enemy ninjutsu and Ninja tools, and still rapidly perform their own techniques.

"Little Tokimitsu, ninja are not merely about ninjutsu. What matters more is using it flexibly in battle. Ninja battles often begin with probing, and victory or defeat is decided in the fleeting instant when an opening appears..."

As he spoke, one Guard Ninja leaped into the air to avoid a Great Fireball, only for the Shockwave from its explosion to throw his posture off balance. The other immediately followed with the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique, then used the Body Flicker Technique to appear behind him while he dodged, pressing a Kunai across his throat.

The outcome had been decided.

"Little Tokimitsu, what do you think? Want to try?"

Elder Setsuna smiled as he looked at Uchiha Tokimitsu.

"Yes!"

"Qianzhang, you go."

Elder Setsuna gestured for the third Guard Ninja, Uchiha Chian, to exchange moves with Uchiha Tokimitsu.

Uchiha Chian silently Nodded, used Body Flicker to appear in the center of the Training Ground, and looked toward Uchiha Tokimitsu.

Uchiha Tokimitsu took a deep breath and calmed the tension in his heart, but he could not hide the excitement overflowing across his face. Perhaps it was the effect of his Uchiha bloodline in this life, but his desire for battle was unusually intense.

Slowly, he went from walking to a light jog, gradually accelerating as he charged toward Uchiha Chian.

He was actually taking the initiative to attack?

Elder Setsuna raised his brows, somewhat surprised.

Whoosh—

Uchiha Tokimitsu swiftly drew three Kunai from his Ninja tool bag, held them in his palm, and spun them lightly around his fingertips.

Then he hurled them fiercely!

Bang—

He pushed off the ground and charged forward alongside the Kunai shooting through the air.

Then—

Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!

While running, Uchiha Tokimitsu rapidly formed hand seals. Chakra surged through his body, and a Great Fireball burst from his mouth.

Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!

Uchiha Chian answered with the same technique. The two massive fireballs collided, and the blast's heatwave sent the Kunai Uchiha Tokimitsu had thrown flying in every direction.

Without waiting for the lingering flames and smoke to disperse, Uchiha Chian flashed forward, charging toward Uchiha Tokimitsu within the smoke.

Uchiha Tokimitsu was in a sorry state from the heatwave of the Great Fireball explosion. The tremendous thermal Shockwave made it difficult for him, a four-year-old child, even to stand steady. Kunai and Shuriken from his Ninja tool bag had scattered across the ground. Helpless, he could only channel Chakra to the soles of his feet and cling firmly to the ground to prevent the heatwave from knocking him over.

At that moment, Uchiha Chian appeared before Uchiha Tokimitsu. Their eyes met.

Not good!

Uchiha Tokimitsu was alarmed inwardly.

Genjutsu: Hell Viewing Technique.

Uchiha Chian intended to end the battle with a single genjutsu.

Uchiha Tokimitsu's body suddenly stiffened. His pupils dilated, and his eyes went blank.

Hm, got him~

Uchiha Chian smugly prepared to step forward and pat Tokimitsu on the shoulder to release the genjutsu.

Suddenly, Uchiha Tokimitsu's eyes rolled, and tomoe appeared within them.

He broke the genjutsu himself?!

Uchiha Chian was startled as well.

Uchiha Tokimitsu swept his left hand upward. The Kunai and Shuriken scattered across the ground sprang up with a whoosh, shooting toward Uchiha Chian all at once.

Fine steel wires had long been tied to the ring handles of the Ninja tools. Uchiha Tokimitsu was now using the wires and Chakra manipulation to control them.

Incredible~

The Uchiha Clan's Ninja Tool Throwing techniques were unmatched in the Ninja World, and the Tool Manipulation Technique combined with the Sharingan was devastating. Yet for a child who had only just begun learning, Uchiha Tokimitsu's performance was already astonishingly gifted.

Watching from the side, Elder Setsuna sighed inwardly.

His resolve to train Uchiha Tokimitsu became even firmer. He would not only teach him ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu, but also cultivate Uchiha Tokimitsu's feelings toward the Radical Faction, giving him a sense of belonging so that he would wholeheartedly become an "Uchiha ninja" rather than a "Konoha ninja."

Perhaps it was time to add more stakes.

While Elder Setsuna was lost in thought, Uchiha Tokimitsu and Uchiha Chian had already begun fighting in close quarters. Uchiha Chian maintained a defensive stance, responding only with taijutsu.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Their figures crossed, fists and kicks colliding. Their exchange was incredibly fast.

Their figures intertwined and circled, collision after collision ringing out.

Bang!

Uchiha Chian flipped backward through the air, avoiding the Shuriken Uchiha Tokimitsu had fired at him unexpectedly, then kicked toward Uchiha Tokimitsu.

Screech—

Uchiha Tokimitsu could only raise both arms to block, but the powerful blow still sent him flying. His small body barely twisted in midair before both feet landed on the ground, though the remaining force still carved two tracks through the grass.

Huff~

Uchiha Tokimitsu panted heavily, the single tomoe in his eyes Spun faster and faster. Uchiha Chian, On the contrary, remained perfectly calm.

After all, Uchiha Tokimitsu was at an absolute disadvantage in both age and physical strength.

"Enough! Stop."

Elder Setsuna called for a halt.

He was extremely satisfied with Uchiha Tokimitsu's combat performance. Though immature and lacking in technique, it was full of courage for battle.

As his guard, Uchiha Chian possessed Chunin-level strength. For Uchiha Tokimitsu to avoid being instantly defeated at such a young age was already very impressive. Children from other ninja clans at this age were still playing ninja games by the roadside.

"Little Tokimitsu..."

Elder Setsuna lovingly stroked Uchiha Tokimitsu's soft hair.

"Grow quickly. The clan's future Will be in your hands..."

Uchiha Tokimitsu silently Nodded.

After a moment of silence, Uchiha Tokimitsu looked up and asked:

"Grandpa Elder, what is most important to a Ninja...?"

That exchange had made Uchiha Tokimitsu understand that aside from his disadvantages in age and physical strength, he still had many shortcomings before he could become an outstanding Ninja. If talent in ninjutsu could not be turned into strength, it would ultimately be like flowers reflected in water or the moon in a mirror.

"Battle! Fearless battle! And surviving through battle!"

Elder Setsuna replied with a smile.

That answer was very Uchiha.